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Flood Risk Management

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 5 April 2022

Tuesday, 5 April 2022

Ceisteanna (268)

Robert Troy

Ceist:

268. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will provide an update on the catchment flood risk assessment and management programme to date; and if all of the pinch points identified have been resolved at this stage. [17663/22]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The Flood Risk Management Plans (FRMPs) are an output of the Catchment Flood Risk Assessment and Management study. The OPW has produced an individual FRMP for each of the 29 River Basins including the Shannon Upper & Lower River Basin. The focus of the reply to the Deputy’s question is on the Shannon River Basin District.

The Government has committed €1.3 billion to the delivery of flood relief schemes over the lifetime of the National Development Plan (NDP) to 2030 to protect approximately 23,000 properties in threatened communities from river and coastal flood risk. Since the launch of the FRMPs in 2018, as part of a phased approach to scheme delivery, this funding has allowed the OPW to treble to nearly 90 the number of schemes at design and construction at this time.

Today, work by the OPW is complete or underway to deliver protection to 80% of properties to be protected by this significant investment programme.

In the Shannon River Basin District, along with the 13 already completed schemes (see Appendix 1), a further 36 flood relief schemes will be delivered under the Government’s €1.3bn investment in flood relief measures over the lifetime of the NDP.

The OPW and the Local Authorities have been engaging pro-actively on the arrangements and structures to be put in place to advance the implementation of the Tranche 1 schemes.

Of the 24 Tranche 1 schemes currently being progressed (see Appendix 2), 2 schemes (Athlone and Springfield) are at construction. Engineering Consultants have been appointed for a further 13 schemes which are progressing through Stage 1 - Option Assessment, Scheme Development and Design including Kings Island which has received planning permission. Construction is expected to commence in Q3 2022 with a completion date of approximately two years thereafter.

Work is ongoing to progress the other 9 schemes in the Shannon River Basin District. 8 of the schemes will be progressed directly by the relevant Local Authorities with full funding from the OPW. The OPW is progressing the scheme for Rahan.

While the other 12 schemes recommended in the FRMPs have not yet commenced, it is planned that they will be underway in the lifetime of the NDP (see Appendix 3).

The Government has noted the study by the Shannon Flood Risk State Agency Co-ordination Working Group that supports a programme of strategic maintenance to help mitigate flooding along the River Shannon and a further study on the removal of a series of constrictions or ‘pinch points’ through the Shannon Callows that can help to delay flooding in the area. The Government has agreed that the OPW will provide €7m for all of these works, of which €4m relates to the removal of ‘pinch points’ through the Shannon Callows.

Work is advancing to progress the project for the removal of the ‘pinch points’ in the Shannon Callows between Athlone and Meelick Weir. A Steering Group has been established to oversee this project and a brief has been developed for the appointment of a consultant to carry out the initial analysis and design work. It is anticipated that the tendering process for this service will commence during Q2 2022. Waterways Ireland, on behalf of the Shannon Group, will act as the Contracting Authority for this project.

The works can only commence following the completion of the appropriate environmental assessments which are expected to be significant. In addition, planning consent will be required to progress the project. This is a time intensive process and there are a range of variables outside the control of the Shannon Group that may impact on the overall timescale for the delivery of this project.

Should the Deputy require any further information, the OPW will be glad to provide the specific details.

Appendix 1 Completed Flood Relief Schemes

Completed Flood Relief Schemes

1

Sixmilebridge, Co. Clare

2

Ennis Upper, Co. Clare

3

Foynes (Tidal), Co. Limerick

4

Newcastlewest, Co. Limerick

5

Cappamore, Co. Limerick

6

Dromcollogher, Co. Limerick

7

Harry's Mall, Limerick City

8

Clancy Strand, Limerick City

9

Tullamore, Co. Offaly

10

Ballymakeogh/Newport, Co. Tipperary

11

Mullingar, Co. Westmeath

12

Ennis Lower, Co. Clare

13

Ennis South, Co. Clare

Appendix 2: Flood Relief Schemes currently being progressed (Tranche 1)

Flood Relief Schemes Under Construction

1

Athlone, Co. Westmeath

2

Springfield, Co. Clare

Flood Relief Schemes At Design & Development Stage (Contracts Awarded)

3

Adare, Co. Limerick

4

Athea, Co. Limerick^

5

Ballinasloe, Co. Galway*

6

Castleconnell, Co. Limerick* ^

7

Carrick-On-Shannon, Co. Leitrim*

8

Clonaslee, Co. Laois* ^

9

Killaloe, Co. Clare* ^

10

Kilkee, Co. Clare

11

King’s Island, Limerick City (Detailed Design Stage)

12

Leitrim, Co. Leitrim

13

Limerick City & Environs*

14

Shannon, Co. Clare

15

Tralee, Co. Kerry

Surveys and/or reviews commenced with a view to appointing Design & Development consultants (includes some schemes where the tender process has already commenced)

16

Abbeydorney, Co. Kerry ^

17

Banna, Co. Kerry ^

18

Bunratty, Co. Clare ^

19

Kilrush, Co. Clare ^

20

Longford, Co. Longford*^

21

Mohill, Co Leitrim *^

22

Nenagh, Co. Tipperary* ^

23

Rahan, Co. Offaly* ^

24

Rathkeale, Co. Limerick ^

Appendix 3: Future Flood Relief Schemes (Tranche 2)

Flood Relief Schemes Planned for Next Phase of Delivery

1

Portumna, Co. Galway*

2

Ballylongford, Co. Kerry

3

Listowel, Co. Kerry

4

Dromod, Co. Leitrim*

5

Askeaton, Co. Limerick

6

Foynes, Co. Limerick

7

Newcastle West, Co. Limerick

8

Birr, Co. Offaly*

9

Athleague, Co. Roscommon*

10

Boyle, Co. Roscommon*

11

Roscommon, Co. Roscommon*

12

Roscrea, Co. Tipperary*

*Communities in the catchment of the River Shannon

^Small projects (<€1m) that have been prioritised for delivery and which will be progressed directly by the relevant local authority

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